Next Generation Trams project to use local manufacturing

The Victorian Government has announced that Bombardier Transportation Australia has been awarded a contract to build 100 new and accessible trams as part of the state government’s $1.85 billion Next Generation Trams project.

The government says the project supports up to 1900 local jobs in manufacturing, the supply chain, and the construction of a new purpose-built depot and maintenance facility.

Following a competitive design and tender process, the proposed plans for the trams will be refined in consultation with key stakeholders including representatives from accessibility groups, passengers and tram drivers.

A local content quota of 65% has been included as a requirement for the Next Generation Trams project — said to be the biggest for any train or tram project since rolling stock local content quotas were introduced. Bombardier Transportation was acquired by French giant Alstom in January 2021.

The Next Generation Trams order will progressively replace some of Melbourne’s longest-serving high-floor trams to ensure the public transport network is accessible to all Victorians.

“We’re proud to build trams and trains in Victoria, by Victorians — supporting thousands of jobs and improving our public transport network,” said Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews.

“Victoria’s rolling stock industry is the envy of the nation and this project will support up to 1900 local jobs throughout the supply chain and play a significant part in delivering more accessible services on our network,” said Minister for Public Transport Ben Carroll.

For more on the Next Generation Trams project, go to www.transport.vic.gov.au/next-gen-trams.

Image: Artist’s impression of new trams. Source: Department of Transport Victoria.